Abstract
ObjectivesIt is suggested that exercise can improve the vascular function and quality of life (QoL) in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), potentially offering clinical benefits to this population. Yet the feasibility of such an intervention remains untested. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) in people with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc).Methods Thirty-two lcSSc patients (66.5 ± 12 years old) were randomly allocated in two groups (exercise and control group). The exercise group underwent a 12-week exercise programme, twice per week. All patients performed the baseline, three- and six-month follow-up measurements where functional ability, body composition and QoL were assessed. Participants’ experiences were explored through interviews.Results Compliance was 92.6% with no dropouts. The individuals’ confidence to participate in the study’s exercise protocol for twice per week was 95%. The average value for the physical activity enjoyment scale was 103 ± 10 out of 119 (highest score). The mean values for the intention to engage in exercise twice per week were 6.4 ± 1 (likely) out of 7 (very likely). QoL for the exercise group showed to have a better life satisfaction, less anxiety and Raynaud’s phenomenon-accompanied pain. ConclusionsOur results suggest that a combined exercise protocol was feasible for people with lcSSc, with no adverse events, resulting in high adherence and low attrition rates, high enjoyment levels and intentions for future engagement to this exercise. Thus, the specific protocol is a safe adjunct therapy for people with lcSSc.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number): NCT03058887, February 23, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03058887?term=NCT03058887&rank=1Key Points• High-intensity interval training in combination with resistance training constitutes a feasible exercise protocol for people with lcSSc.• Overall, the exercise programme demonstrated high adherence and enjoyment levels and low attrition rates.• The exercise protocol was proved to be safe with no adverse events for people with lcSSc.
Highlights
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by an ongoing cutaneous and visceral fibrosis, vasculopathy and immunologic abnormalities [1]
digital ulcers (DUs) in turn leads to hand function loss [6], and it is estimated that ≥ 50% of people with SSc have low or poor work ability [7]
Our findings suggest that an exercise programme combining high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training (RT) was feasible for people with SSc, resulting in high adherence and low attrition rates, high enjoyment levels and intentions for future exercise engagement
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by an ongoing cutaneous and visceral fibrosis, vasculopathy and immunologic abnormalities [1]. It is a rare disease: There are almost 1200 new cases each year, with approx. SSc can be either limited cutaneous (lcSSc) with skin involvement mainly limited to the hands and face, or diffuse. Blood vessels are directly affected by SSc and this has important ramifications on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. These vascular complications may progress to digital ulceration (DU) Alternative approaches with less side effects and cost implications are warranted
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